I recently went on a journey of putting the dewey decimal system into action on my library consisting of 730 books. Yes, the dewey decimal system. SOme might say, what a nerd, this would not be too far from true at many leverls. Others might say, Why? Others, might just be in utter dumbfoundedness at the randomness of it all. Yet, I have to tell you that this is the nature of the beast. However, none of the responses are really behind the Why? of the dewey decimal system. You see, I finally got tired of the constant search for books that I was looking for. I honestly could care less if I loaned a book and it has not been returned or if I gave it away. The problem is that I am looking for it and though it is probably right under my nose, I just can’t find it. Well now thanks to the good old dewey decimal system and a great software Delicious Library I can add, delete and check out books that were in my library thus knowing exactly where it is. For a guy who uses about 35% of his books regularly and the rest depending on mood and my own self paced further education, this helps tremendously.

OK, I write this to set myself up. I wonder when too much knowledge is too much. I wonder at what point we find the truth of scripture “knowledge puffs up” begins to be the status quo of those of us who read pretty much non-stop. It is true that I have read so much that I could argue with myself for days about any given theological topic and still never really speak the truth I believe deep down is true. It seems that in this day and age this is a reaction to something. What, I don’t know exactly. Specifically regarding theology and religion, I think we have reacted to the once closely held truth of scripture that was so heavy handedly used to beat people down, to convert one brand of church to another brand. I believe that the science of multiple truths began to wain our confidence in the one true Word of God. I wonder if my books are little more than a tool to manage (as if this is possible) my Father –a new mode of mastering the Master– that hinders me from truly ever experiencing the fullness of His truth as revealed in Scripture and submission to Christ as head of we His body.

What I am afraid of is that the dewey decimal system justified by the size of my library, is nothing more than a reflection of my own insecurity OR connection to the Holy Spirit who promises to reveal God’s Word through discernment and communication that is two way, not just one way. Lord grant that we may know you more, trust you more and discern the work of the Spirit in our midst once again. Father, may your Spirit rest upon your people as the tongues of fire burned upon the apostles. God be with us.

I sit typing this blog entry while watching this amazing and historical day online. I am filled with a sense of excitement as I await the innaugural address to the nation. Now, for those of you who know me wel, know that I am no fan of American politics. In fact, while I did vote, my vote did not count as Jesus Christ was not on the ticket OR the write in candidates (can you believe it?). But deep down I was excited about the wind of change that has come in the form of a black family being brought into the oval office. This is amazing because just over 142 years ago the 13th Ammendment was ratified and ended legal slavery in the United States. While this may seem a long time ago, the effects of slavery and oppression of blacks in America has yet to see its end.

Today, God is seemingly making great strides in our world. Merely, 55 years since Rosa Parks sat her ground on that bus in Montgomery, AL, 44 years since Civil Rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, 28 years after the “last lynching” (though many would argue this), just 17 years after the brutal treatment of Rodney King by those protectors of our streets, today, marks the fruits of progress that so many have died for, lost fathers and mothers for. Today, we find ourselves hopeful. Today, as you watch the innaggural address, notice how the color of one’s skin is lost in the zooming out of camera’s and how together we stand in unity. It is a glimpse into what the kingdom of heaven may be like. While God and Christ will be mentioned today I look forward to the day when Christ draws a crowd larger than what we see this historical day.

May we all, find this unifying moment a glimpse into what is to come when Christ our true President of presidents, our King of kings and the true and only Prince of Peace. Oh Lord, bless the Bush’s as they move into a new chapter of their lives, bless the Obama’s as they begin to lead this country as you have ordained, bless our government as they seek to guide our country in these tough financial and spiritual times, bless our citizens with humility and contentment in times of great distress, bless our world in this time of war and lack of peace. Lord we truly desire that Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Lord come! Amen.

Fewer things in the Christian life are more difficult than sowing the seed of Christ in a world where the soil seems awfully polluted. Some say it is a gift, while others say it is a calling on all who claim Christ as their Lord and Savior. I tend to agree that the commission is multi-faceted but demanding on all of Christ’s followers. Never has that been more evident to me in my life until my wife, sister, brother-in-law and I started VineLife Church a little over two years ago.

During those two years we have been planting seeds in the life of people who didn’t even know they were God’s fertile soil, some to the point of denying the seed all together. I got to tell you this has been a hard process. Sometimes seeing the seeds grow before our eyes. Other times seeing the seed produce a seed of its own and plant the seed in others. And yet, there are those painful times as well. Where the seed is planted and seemingly never to sprout (only God knows). Or other times where the seed is planted and nurtured and cared for, showing promising growth only to realize later that it believes it needs a new pot (i.e. church body). But the hardest part of all is how close one must get to people in order to plant these seeds. Building relationships, tilling the soil of their lives and in the end scattering the seed not knowing of it will bring forth the fruits of the kingdom. When it doesn’t, it hurts and calls into question the whole point of planting seeds of the Gospel. However, those that do sprout always far out weigh those that don’t and the fruit they produce is uncomparable to the tremendous crop that one plant alone can produce. All in all, sowing the seed of Christ is the most rewarding challenge of my life.

How about you, is it hard for you to share Christ? If so, why? If not, tell us more. What are your experiences in sowing the seed of Christ?

Well, today it came to my attention that I have had several comments since August that were getting sent to Spam. I thought when someone submitted a comment that it was supposed to automatically be posted, unless it looked like spam, then it would be emailed to me for approval. Evidently I was wrong. So, I will be checking more frequently. Perhaps, discussions that should have happened did not but in any case, send in your comments and let’s have some conversations about things. I more than welcome them. Thanks for reading!